The Sagano Scenic Railway running along the grand Hozu Gorge
In 1989, the track had been abandoned due to the creation of a double line by the railway, but because of many voices regretting the discontinuation of this scenic section going along the grand Hozu Gorge, it was redeveloped in 1991 and was opened as a tourist railway.
Torokko trains to enjoy the four seasons
The railway spans 7.3km along the Hozu River valley from JR Sagano-Arashiyama Station in Arashiyama, one of the prominent tourist areas of Kyoto, to Tanba JR Kameoka Station, taking 25 minutes. With a diesel engine pulling 5 cars, the wooden seats have been designed with nostalgia in mind and Car No. 5, called The Rich, has an open concept in which the windows have been removed. The views of spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, fall foliage and winter snowscapes are wonderful, and the train makes short stops at scenic points so taking those snapshots from the train is possible. The run along the valley and through the tunnels and bridges is beautiful and in autumn, the tunnel of the changing leaves is lit up at night.